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Education
Why do we say "movie buff" and "computer buff"?
(G. Ram, Bangalore)
When you say that someone is a movie buff what you mean is that the individual is very enthusiastic about movies. Similarly, a computer buff is someone who is very enthusiastic about computers. And right now, thanks to the World Cup, we have cricket buffs turning into couch potatoes. But do you know that "buff" is actually a colour? It is pale yellow-brown. In New York City in the early 19th century, buff overcoats were given to individuals who volunteered to put out fires. These people weren't there for the money, they volunteered because they enjoyed putting out fires. It takes all kinds to make the world, doesn't it? Since they were very enthusiastic about their work, the word "buff" began to be used to mean "an enthusiast of something".
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"My wife and I were happy for 20 years. Then we met." —
Rodney Dangerfield
S. Upendran
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